WEBVTT 00:00:15.740 --> 00:00:18.579 Hey everyone, my name is Austin, and welcome 00:00:18.579 --> 00:00:20.660 back to another episode of the Unfiltered Faith 00:00:20.660 --> 00:00:23.539 Podcast. If this is your first time joining us, 00:00:23.600 --> 00:00:26.039 thank you for tuning in. If you've been here 00:00:26.039 --> 00:00:28.359 before, welcome back, and thank you for letting 00:00:28.359 --> 00:00:31.000 me be part of your morning, afternoon, or evening. 00:00:31.359 --> 00:00:33.799 Today we're going to be talking about the milestones 00:00:33.799 --> 00:00:36.659 and how not reheaching these milestones can have 00:00:36.659 --> 00:00:39.539 a negative impact on us. It's almost as if there's 00:00:39.539 --> 00:00:43.039 an unspoken script that we all are expected to 00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:45.439 follow. You know the one I'm talking about. graduate 00:00:45.439 --> 00:00:48.740 college, land a stable job, climb the corporate 00:00:48.740 --> 00:00:52.000 ladder, buy a house, and so on. But what happens 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:54.539 when you find yourself feeling out of place in 00:00:54.539 --> 00:00:57.159 this narrative? What if your dreams look different? 00:00:57.939 --> 00:01:01.899 So let's dive in and I hope to inspire you and 00:01:01.899 --> 00:01:04.859 offer fresh perspectives that resonate with your 00:01:04.859 --> 00:01:08.200 own unique experiences. If you like to take notes, 00:01:08.420 --> 00:01:11.260 I encourage it. And also have your Bible out 00:01:11.260 --> 00:01:13.219 because we'll be diving into some scripture. 00:01:13.469 --> 00:01:18.170 and let's get started. Have you ever felt that 00:01:18.170 --> 00:01:21.329 nagging pressure to check off certain boxes by 00:01:21.329 --> 00:01:24.969 a certain age? Maybe it's getting married by 00:01:24.969 --> 00:01:27.870 your late 20s, landing that dream job in your 00:01:27.870 --> 00:01:30.409 early 30s, or having kids before you hit a certain 00:01:30.409 --> 00:01:33.409 milestone. Society has a way of placing these 00:01:33.409 --> 00:01:36.409 milestones on a pedestal, creating an unwritten 00:01:36.409 --> 00:01:39.629 timeline that can leave us feeling inadequate 00:01:39.629 --> 00:01:44.060 or lost. Especially when our journeys don't align 00:01:44.060 --> 00:01:46.739 with those expectations. Have you ever caught 00:01:46.739 --> 00:01:49.200 yourself scrolling through Seho Shomi and feeling 00:01:49.200 --> 00:01:52.540 something of envy or inadequacy? You're not alone. 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:55.920 The first thing I want you to remember is that 00:01:55.920 --> 00:01:59.099 comparison is the thief of all joy. When we focus 00:01:59.099 --> 00:02:01.900 on what others are doing, we can lose sight of 00:02:01.900 --> 00:02:05.219 our unique journey. Today's episode is inspired 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:08.139 by Ecclesiastes 3 .138. So if you have your Bibles, 00:02:08.460 --> 00:02:11.599 Please turn there. Ecclesiastes 3, 1 -8 tells 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:13.939 us that there is a time and a place for everything. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:16.979 There is a season and a time for every matter 00:02:16.979 --> 00:02:20.199 under the sun. The author of Ecclesiastes, King 00:02:20.199 --> 00:02:24.680 Solomon, goes on to outline the various seasons 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:28.400 of lifetimes to be born, to die, to weep, to 00:02:28.400 --> 00:02:31.620 laugh. And it's a poetic reminder that life is 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:34.539 always happening, composed of different phases, 00:02:34.659 --> 00:02:37.759 each with its own significance. Think about it. 00:02:37.930 --> 00:02:40.789 The beauty of spring doesn't diminish the value 00:02:40.789 --> 00:02:44.370 of winter, even if winter can feel long and harsh. 00:02:44.909 --> 00:02:47.770 Unless if you live in Texas then winter is about 00:02:47.770 --> 00:02:53.150 two weeks long. Similarly, our struggles often 00:02:53.150 --> 00:02:55.830 pave the way for growth, resilience, and a deeper 00:02:55.830 --> 00:02:58.870 understanding of ourselves. So why was Ecclesiastes 00:02:58.870 --> 00:03:02.629 written? Anyone? Ecclesiastes was written to 00:03:02.629 --> 00:03:05.629 encourage people to live by God's wisdom. to 00:03:05.629 --> 00:03:09.330 warn people against following human wisdom. You 00:03:09.330 --> 00:03:12.330 see, Solomon asked God for one thing. The only 00:03:12.330 --> 00:03:14.750 thing he wanted was wisdom, and even he couldn't 00:03:14.750 --> 00:03:18.069 handle the power of what he had requested. Ecclesiastes 00:03:18.069 --> 00:03:21.189 was also written to show that life is temporary 00:03:21.189 --> 00:03:24.490 and fleeting. It also shows us that true meaning 00:03:24.490 --> 00:03:26.930 comes from God and not things of this world. 00:03:27.629 --> 00:03:29.870 What season are you currently in? Are you in 00:03:29.870 --> 00:03:33.870 a time of growth, of waiting, of healing? Ecclesiastes 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:37.259 and teaches us that there is a divine purpose 00:03:37.259 --> 00:03:40.180 in every season. Just as the world changes with 00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:43.900 time, so do our lives. Yet, society often tries 00:03:43.900 --> 00:03:46.340 to impose a strict timeline on us, frequently 00:03:46.340 --> 00:03:49.560 leading to a sense of urgency, usually leaving 00:03:49.560 --> 00:03:52.280 us feeling depressed when we don't measure up 00:03:52.280 --> 00:03:55.319 to those set expectations. We often find ourselves 00:03:55.319 --> 00:03:58.340 comparing our journey to someone else's highlight 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:02.259 reel, which can lead to the healings of inadequacy 00:04:02.259 --> 00:04:05.460 or frustration. But what if I told you that those 00:04:05.460 --> 00:04:07.879 feelings are completely normal? What if we embrace 00:04:07.879 --> 00:04:10.979 the notion that life is not a linear path, but 00:04:10.979 --> 00:04:14.479 rather a winding road full of unexpected detours? 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:17.040 Believe it or not, the comparison game that we 00:04:17.040 --> 00:04:19.579 all fall into hardly has to do with the impact 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:22.680 of social media. Social media has a chokehold 00:04:22.680 --> 00:04:26.060 on our perceptions of success. Why is that? It's 00:04:26.060 --> 00:04:28.720 easy to feel like we're falling short when we 00:04:28.720 --> 00:04:31.500 see others achieving milestones we aspire to. 00:04:31.790 --> 00:04:34.769 But let's ask ourselves, what does success mean 00:04:34.769 --> 00:04:37.790 to us? Is it the number of likes on a post, or 00:04:37.790 --> 00:04:40.930 is it something much deeper, like living authentically, 00:04:41.230 --> 00:04:45.670 experiencing joy, or nurturing meaningful relationships? 00:04:45.930 --> 00:04:48.750 We live in a world that often glorifies certain 00:04:48.750 --> 00:04:51.470 milestones. Social media is a constant reminder 00:04:51.470 --> 00:04:54.209 of what others are achieving, with headings, 00:04:54.490 --> 00:04:57.529 promotions, new homes, and growing families. 00:04:58.250 --> 00:05:00.569 While it's wonderful to celebrate the highs of 00:05:00.569 --> 00:05:04.069 life, It can also become a source of comparison, 00:05:04.569 --> 00:05:07.069 making us question our paths. You're not where 00:05:07.069 --> 00:05:09.310 you want to be. You feel like you're supposed 00:05:09.310 --> 00:05:11.730 to be somewhere else, but what if you could snap 00:05:11.730 --> 00:05:14.410 your fingers and be exactly where you want to 00:05:14.410 --> 00:05:18.529 be? I bet you still feel like you're not where 00:05:18.529 --> 00:05:20.850 you're supposed to be. It seems pretty unfulfilling 00:05:20.850 --> 00:05:23.709 to be able to snap your fingers and be where 00:05:23.709 --> 00:05:26.509 you want to be. It's like reading a book and 00:05:26.509 --> 00:05:29.269 skipping to the end to discover what happens. 00:05:29.870 --> 00:05:32.910 What's the point of that? The fact is, you can't 00:05:32.910 --> 00:05:35.529 get so hung up on where you'd rather be that 00:05:35.529 --> 00:05:38.029 you forget how to make the most of where you 00:05:38.029 --> 00:05:40.689 are. Take a break from worrying about what you 00:05:40.689 --> 00:05:43.129 can't control and focus on what you can control. 00:05:43.829 --> 00:05:46.490 If you're so worried about where you want to 00:05:46.490 --> 00:05:48.949 be in your life, it's impossible to be present. 00:05:49.089 --> 00:05:52.050 What does finding contentment look like? Let's 00:05:52.050 --> 00:05:54.370 explore some practical strategies to embrace 00:05:54.370 --> 00:05:57.709 where we are right now. First and foremost, practice 00:05:57.709 --> 00:06:00.620 gratitude. Being a gratitude journal can truly 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:04.399 shift your perspective. Each day, jot down three 00:06:04.399 --> 00:06:06.660 things you're thankful for. This simple act can 00:06:06.660 --> 00:06:09.680 help you recognize the blessings in your currency 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:12.420 season rather than fixating on what you're missing. 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:15.779 Secondly, embrace your timeline. Write down your 00:06:15.779 --> 00:06:19.540 dreams and aspirations, but don't tie them to 00:06:19.540 --> 00:06:22.100 a specific age or day or deadline. Life isn't 00:06:22.100 --> 00:06:24.980 a race. It's a journey. Each of us has a unique 00:06:24.980 --> 00:06:27.120 path designed for us. The beauty of this journey 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:30.680 is that it's filled with twists and turns that 00:06:30.680 --> 00:06:35.259 shape us into who we are meant to be. Next, cultivate 00:06:35.259 --> 00:06:38.279 patience. Patience is a virtue, but let's be 00:06:38.279 --> 00:06:42.079 honest, it's not always easy. In a world of instant 00:06:42.079 --> 00:06:45.360 gratification, waiting can feel like an eternity. 00:06:46.139 --> 00:06:48.639 But remember, good things come to those who wait. 00:06:49.290 --> 00:06:51.889 Sometimes the most beautiful blessings take time 00:06:51.889 --> 00:06:54.350 to unfold. Trust that your season will come. 00:06:54.990 --> 00:06:57.589 Lastly, connect with your community. Surround 00:06:57.589 --> 00:06:59.689 yourself with people who uplift and encourage 00:06:59.689 --> 00:07:02.689 you. Sharing your struggles and triumphs with 00:07:02.689 --> 00:07:05.850 others can provide a sense of belonging and support. 00:07:05.990 --> 00:07:08.129 You'll realize that you're not alone in your 00:07:08.129 --> 00:07:11.170 feelings, and together you can celebrate each 00:07:11.170 --> 00:07:14.790 other's unique journeys. Time is a concept. It's 00:07:14.790 --> 00:07:18.100 not a real thing. Ancient civilizations developed 00:07:18.100 --> 00:07:20.560 this concept of time based on the sun's position. 00:07:21.180 --> 00:07:23.959 The location of where the sun is shouldn't dictate 00:07:23.959 --> 00:07:26.920 where you feel like you're behind in life or 00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:29.079 not. Think about that for a moment. Did you know 00:07:29.079 --> 00:07:31.579 that a variety of factors can shape our perspective 00:07:31.579 --> 00:07:35.100 of time? Studies show that time can feel like 00:07:35.100 --> 00:07:37.560 it's flying by when we're engaged in activities 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:40.920 we love or when we're busy, while it may drag 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:44.600 on during moments of boredom or discomfort. This 00:07:44.600 --> 00:07:47.720 phenomenon reveals that time isn't just a ticking 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:51.120 clock. It's a personal experience shaped by our 00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:53.980 emotions and engagement with the world. As we 00:07:53.980 --> 00:07:58.160 reflect on this, let's delve into a deeper philosophical 00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:00.279 question. What would existence be like without 00:08:00.279 --> 00:08:04.399 time? Imagine a reality where we exist beyond 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:07.980 the constraints of minutes and hours. If we remove 00:08:07.980 --> 00:08:09.660 the pressures of deadlines and appointments, 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:12.180 how would that shift our perspective on life? 00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:14.699 Would we find more joy on the present moment? 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:18.560 What are relationships teaching? Unrestricted 00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:21.180 by the ticking of a clock. This is where we can 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:24.199 find inspiration. Instead of being slaves to 00:08:24.199 --> 00:08:26.699 our schedules, we can embrace the beauty of now. 00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:30.959 Here are some tips to help shift your focus away 00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:34.460 from clock watching and into living fully. Number 00:08:34.460 --> 00:08:37.840 one is practice mindfulness. Take a few moments 00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:40.240 each day to sit in silence. Focus on your breath. 00:08:40.620 --> 00:08:43.519 the sensation in your body and the world around 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:46.919 you. This practice helps ground you in the present. 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:51.000 Number two, engage in flow activities. Find activities 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:54.899 that completely absorb your attention, whether 00:08:54.899 --> 00:08:59.419 it's painting, dancing, or hiking. When you're 00:08:59.419 --> 00:09:02.019 in a flow state, time becomes irrelevant and 00:09:02.019 --> 00:09:04.779 you're fully immersed in the experience. Number 00:09:04.779 --> 00:09:08.379 three, limit screen time. In our fast -paced 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:11.879 digital age, Screens can dominate our perceptions 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:15.100 of time, setting boundaries for device usage, 00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:17.580 allowing yourself to connect more authentically 00:09:17.580 --> 00:09:20.860 with the people in the world around you. 4. Cultivate 00:09:20.860 --> 00:09:24.100 gratitude. At the end of each day, reflect on 00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:26.980 three things you are grateful for. This simple 00:09:26.980 --> 00:09:30.539 practice shifts your focus from time and something 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:33.840 away, to appreciating the moments that matter. 00:09:34.539 --> 00:09:38.600 5. Connect with nature. time outside, whether 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:41.100 you're walking in the park or hiking the mountains. 00:09:41.960 --> 00:09:45.019 Nature reminds us that life unfolds in its rhythm, 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:47.980 free from the constraints we often impose. As 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:51.039 we navigate this journey of existence, let's 00:09:51.039 --> 00:09:53.039 embrace the idea that time is a construct and 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:56.960 how we perceive it can be transformed. By focusing 00:09:56.960 --> 00:10:00.100 on the present, we can create a life filled with 00:10:00.100 --> 00:10:04.820 richness. So let's challenge ourselves to step 00:10:04.820 --> 00:10:07.370 away from the clock today. Live in the moment. 00:10:07.950 --> 00:10:10.309 Experience life as it unfolds. For instance, 00:10:10.610 --> 00:10:13.250 did you know that our emotional state can significantly 00:10:13.250 --> 00:10:16.230 alter our perception of time? When we're happy 00:10:16.230 --> 00:10:18.889 or engaged in something we love, time seems to 00:10:18.889 --> 00:10:22.190 slip away. But during moments of fear or anxiety, 00:10:22.529 --> 00:10:25.590 those seconds can feel like hours. It's almost 00:10:25.590 --> 00:10:27.950 as if our brains are playing tricks on us, isn't 00:10:27.950 --> 00:10:31.889 it? But what if we took a step back and started 00:10:31.889 --> 00:10:34.789 to think about time from a philosophical perspective? 00:10:35.410 --> 00:10:38.029 Imagine a world without time. How would that 00:10:38.029 --> 00:10:41.870 change our existence? It raises profound questions. 00:10:42.110 --> 00:10:44.610 What does it mean to live without the pressures 00:10:44.610 --> 00:10:47.929 of minutes ticking away? Can we find a sense 00:10:47.929 --> 00:10:51.570 of being that transcends? These thoughts can 00:10:51.570 --> 00:10:55.289 be both liberating and daunting. They challenge 00:10:55.289 --> 00:10:58.009 us to rethink our relationship with time and 00:10:58.009 --> 00:11:00.789 the way we could structure our lives. In a world 00:11:00.789 --> 00:11:03.730 so fixated on schedules and deadlines. It can 00:11:03.730 --> 00:11:07.230 be refreshing to ponder the idea of existing 00:11:07.230 --> 00:11:10.090 in the timeless state, where we fully immerse 00:11:10.090 --> 00:11:12.590 ourselves in each moment, unburdened by the weight 00:11:12.590 --> 00:11:16.009 of time. Remember, life isn't just about making 00:11:16.009 --> 00:11:19.049 time. It's about making time meaningful. So let's 00:11:19.049 --> 00:11:21.350 challenge ourselves to live each moment fully, 00:11:21.929 --> 00:11:24.389 appreciating our experiences rather than rushing 00:11:24.389 --> 00:11:27.769 through them. In a world that often equates success 00:11:27.769 --> 00:11:30.750 with a title or a paycheck, it's easy to lose 00:11:30.750 --> 00:11:33.549 sight of what truly matters, your definition 00:11:33.549 --> 00:11:35.789 of fulfillment. According to a recent study, 00:11:36.129 --> 00:11:40.129 many people report feeling unfulfilled despite 00:11:40.129 --> 00:11:44.169 achieving societal milestones. Why is that? I 00:11:44.169 --> 00:11:47.169 believe it stems from a disconnect between our 00:11:47.169 --> 00:11:49.789 external achievements and our internal desires. 00:11:50.129 --> 00:11:52.799 We can often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind 00:11:52.799 --> 00:11:56.480 of expectations leading to a fully leading to 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:59.080 a feeling of being trapped in a life that doesn't 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:02.379 feel authentic to us. Don't mistake external 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:04.759 achievement for internal desire. While you're 00:12:04.759 --> 00:12:07.500 at it, make sure your internal desire is high 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:09.799 enough with your external achievements. Ask yourself, 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:13.179 is this what I really want? If you answer yes 00:12:13.179 --> 00:12:17.480 to that, you're going to feel 100 % more fulfilled. 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:20.710 So let's take a moment to reflect. What does 00:12:20.710 --> 00:12:22.590 success mean to you? Is it the corner office 00:12:22.590 --> 00:12:25.970 or is it waking up excited about the day ahead? 00:12:26.850 --> 00:12:30.450 Is it the awards or the ability to make a difference 00:12:30.450 --> 00:12:32.809 in someone's life? Understanding and defining 00:12:32.809 --> 00:12:36.730 success on your terms can be liberating. It allows 00:12:36.730 --> 00:12:39.649 you to break free from societal molds and create 00:12:39.649 --> 00:12:42.169 a life that will resonate with your authentic 00:12:42.169 --> 00:12:45.850 self. So I encourage you right now to jot down 00:12:45.850 --> 00:12:49.190 a few things about success. What success looks 00:12:49.190 --> 00:12:52.049 like for you. Remember, this is your journey, 00:12:52.269 --> 00:12:54.850 and there's no right or wrong answer. Now let's 00:12:54.850 --> 00:12:58.610 transition to a concept that I think is particularly 00:12:58.610 --> 00:13:02.210 exciting. Plan spontaneity. It almost sounds 00:13:02.210 --> 00:13:05.049 like an oxymoron, doesn't it? How can we plan 00:13:05.049 --> 00:13:08.330 spontaneity? I've had to learn and develop this 00:13:08.330 --> 00:13:10.769 concept for myself because I'm by no means a 00:13:10.769 --> 00:13:13.470 spontaneous person. The truth is that life is 00:13:13.470 --> 00:13:16.350 unpredictable, and while we can't control every 00:13:16.350 --> 00:13:19.629 aspect, And while we can't control every twist 00:13:19.629 --> 00:13:22.629 and turn, we can cultivate an environment that 00:13:22.629 --> 00:13:25.230 encourages spontaneous joy and creativity. I 00:13:25.230 --> 00:13:27.490 took one coding class in my junior year of high 00:13:27.490 --> 00:13:30.750 school, and I really enjoyed it. I thought that 00:13:30.750 --> 00:13:33.210 one day I'd get a job in computer science. Coming 00:13:33.210 --> 00:13:36.350 out of high school, I wanted a job where I could 00:13:36.350 --> 00:13:38.570 make six figures, and computer science seemed 00:13:38.570 --> 00:13:42.049 like that was it at the time. I didn't even take 00:13:42.049 --> 00:13:45.450 an advanced math class in college before I... 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:47.779 figured out that wasn't going to work for me. 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:51.559 I mean, what was I thinking? I'm awful at math. 00:13:52.320 --> 00:13:54.159 English was something I was always good at. I 00:13:54.159 --> 00:13:57.980 was that nerd in your English class who was excited 00:13:57.980 --> 00:14:01.139 to write a 1 ,000 -word essay while the rest 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:03.620 of the class was moaning and grunting. Later 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:06.519 on in my collegiate career, I took a mehidia 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:09.309 writing class. the class that teaches you how 00:14:09.309 --> 00:14:11.570 to write for a newspaper magazine. My professor 00:14:11.570 --> 00:14:14.549 announced that the school newspaper was hiring, 00:14:14.690 --> 00:14:17.429 and I quickly jumped onto the opportunity. At 00:14:17.429 --> 00:14:20.409 first it was difficult. After all, I was essentially 00:14:20.409 --> 00:14:23.470 learning as I went, because I was taking the 00:14:23.470 --> 00:14:26.490 class while doing the job. I fell in love with 00:14:26.490 --> 00:14:29.269 it, and that's the story about how I ended up 00:14:29.269 --> 00:14:31.950 in journalism. By planning spontaneity, we opened 00:14:31.950 --> 00:14:36.129 ourselves up to the opportunity that can reignite 00:14:36.129 --> 00:14:38.730 our passion and curiosity. Life can become a 00:14:38.730 --> 00:14:41.929 series of delightful surprises rather than a 00:14:41.929 --> 00:14:44.269 monotonous routine. I know this may sound like 00:14:44.269 --> 00:14:47.250 an oxymoron, but how can you incorporate planned 00:14:47.250 --> 00:14:50.149 spontaneity in your life? Here are a few suggestions. 00:14:50.629 --> 00:14:54.210 Number one, schedule an unstructured time. Create 00:14:54.210 --> 00:14:56.850 a block of time in your calendar for spontaneous 00:14:56.850 --> 00:14:59.870 activities. Leave it open -ended. Number two, 00:15:00.110 --> 00:15:03.080 make a bucket list. Write down activities You've 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:07.000 always wanted to try and pull one out at random 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:09.659 when you're looking for something to do. 3. Invite 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:12.539 friends. Sometimes having friends join you can 00:15:12.539 --> 00:15:15.600 make spontaneous activities even more fun. Plan 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:18.360 a monthly adventure night where you all take 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:21.500 turns choosing what to do. 4. Stay open -minded. 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:26.100 Embrace the unexpected when an opportunity arises. 00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:29.059 Consider it, even if it's out of your comfort 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:31.820 zone. Number five, get out of your comfort zone. 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:35.120 You'd be surprised about how fun spontaneous 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:38.379 activities will be when you do it with friends. 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:41.500 I think one of the biggest challenges we face 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:45.000 in the world is, I think one of the biggest challenges 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:48.399 we face is the fear of change, of letting go 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:52.740 of something we often once loved. But here's 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:55.059 the thing, clinging to outdated interests can 00:15:55.059 --> 00:15:58.139 hold us back from discovering new joys. When 00:15:58.139 --> 00:16:00.039 was the last time you tried something completely 00:16:00.039 --> 00:16:05.000 new? Maybe you had a hobby that you haven't touched 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:07.799 in years because life got busy, or perhaps you've 00:16:07.799 --> 00:16:10.440 been hesitant to explore a different career path 00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:14.320 because you're afraid to deviate from what you've 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:16.399 always known. But here's the thing, evolving 00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:19.659 interests can lead to profound fulfillment. They 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:22.879 can open doors to new communities, experiences, 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:26.179 and opportunities that you never imagined. For 00:16:26.179 --> 00:16:28.970 example, I've seen friends who once pursued careers 00:16:28.970 --> 00:16:32.470 in finance, transitioned to the arts, and finding 00:16:32.470 --> 00:16:35.769 incredible success and happiness. They discovered 00:16:35.769 --> 00:16:39.009 that their true passion lay in creativity, not 00:16:39.009 --> 00:16:41.769 numbers. So how can you embrace your evolving 00:16:41.769 --> 00:16:48.049 interests? Here are a few tips. Number one, reflect 00:16:48.049 --> 00:16:51.629 regularly. Take time to assess what you love 00:16:51.629 --> 00:16:55.080 and what you've outgrown. Journaling can... can 00:16:55.080 --> 00:16:57.379 be an effective way to track your thoughts and 00:16:57.379 --> 00:17:00.419 feelings. Number two, experiment. Don't be afraid 00:17:00.419 --> 00:17:03.320 to try new things, even if they're outside your 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:06.640 usual realm. Take a cooking class or join a local 00:17:06.640 --> 00:17:09.099 hiking group. It's all about exploration. Number 00:17:09.099 --> 00:17:12.079 three, be patient. Understand that discovering 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:14.960 new interests is a process. Give yourself grace 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:18.299 as you navigate this journey. Number four, connect 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.380 with others. Surround yourself with people who 00:17:20.380 --> 00:17:23.980 support your growth. Share your evolving interests 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:26.119 and invite them to join you on this journey. 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:29.759 When was the last time you celebrated a small 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:33.819 victory in your life? Maybe it was getting out 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:36.359 of bed on a rough day, completing a project, 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:38.980 or simply being present for a friend in need. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.920 Success doesn't always look grand. Sometimes 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:44.019 it's found in the everyday moments that fill 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:47.349 our lives. Let's take a moment to consider mindfulness 00:17:47.349 --> 00:17:50.029 practices that can help us embrace our current 00:17:50.029 --> 00:17:53.470 situation, regardless of how far we feel from 00:17:53.470 --> 00:17:57.690 our envisioned path. One practice I find incredibly 00:17:57.690 --> 00:18:00.490 grounding is the act of journaling. Taking the 00:18:00.490 --> 00:18:02.529 time to write down your thoughts and feelings 00:18:02.529 --> 00:18:06.809 can help us gain clarity and perspective. It 00:18:06.809 --> 00:18:09.869 allows us to articulate our experiences and reflect 00:18:09.869 --> 00:18:11.950 on what truly matters to us. Another helpful 00:18:11.950 --> 00:18:15.099 practice is grounding ourselves in nature. whether 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:17.799 it's a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:21.240 or simply sitting outside. Being in nature can 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:24.019 remind us of the beauty of the rhythm of life. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:26.460 It connects us to the present moment, allowing 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:30.119 us to appreciate where we are right now, instead 00:18:30.119 --> 00:18:33.960 of fixating on where we think we should be. I 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:37.539 encourage you to find mindfulness practice that 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:40.539 works for you. It can be meditation, yoga, or 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:42.940 even creative expression through art or music. 00:18:43.150 --> 00:18:46.390 The key is to create space for yourself to breathe 00:18:46.390 --> 00:18:48.970 and to simply be. Now let's circle back to Ecclesiastes. 00:18:49.430 --> 00:18:52.269 It speaks to the inevitability of change and 00:18:52.269 --> 00:18:54.829 the importance of acceptance. Life is filled 00:18:54.829 --> 00:18:58.450 with seasons, each with its lessons and opportunities 00:18:58.450 --> 00:19:02.349 for growth. As we navigate these unpredictable 00:19:02.349 --> 00:19:05.329 journeys, it's essential to cultivate a mindset 00:19:05.329 --> 00:19:09.779 of acceptance, accepting where we are. who we 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:12.160 are and trusting that we're exactly where we 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:14.160 need to be in this moment. Think about a time 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:16.720 in your life where you faced a detour. Perhaps 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:19.440 it felt frustrating or disappointing at the time. 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:22.539 But looking back, you can see how that detour 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:25.500 led you to something beautiful or transformative. 00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:27.359 I want to invite you to consider this question. 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:31.359 What lesson has a detour taught you? Maybe it 00:19:31.359 --> 00:19:33.920 was a change in career, a shift in relationships, 00:19:34.380 --> 00:19:36.420 or a challenge that turned into an opportunity. 00:19:37.230 --> 00:19:40.470 Reflecting on these moments can reveal the underlying 00:19:40.470 --> 00:19:43.730 beauty in life's unpredictability. In a fast 00:19:43.730 --> 00:19:46.130 -paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the 00:19:46.130 --> 00:19:50.289 hustle of everyday life, striving for achievements 00:19:50.289 --> 00:19:54.329 and accolades. But what if we redefine success? 00:19:54.950 --> 00:19:58.390 What if we measured our worth, not by society 00:19:58.390 --> 00:20:00.750 standards, but by our values and experiences? 00:20:01.069 --> 00:20:04.240 Well, let's take a moment to pause and re - Let's 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:06.759 take a moment to pause and reflect on what fulfillment 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:10.920 means to you. Is it about chasing after achievements? 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:14.400 Or is it about nurturing relationships, pursuing 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:17.359 passions, and being true to yourself? Let me 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:19.740 tell you something. You know how many times I 00:20:19.740 --> 00:20:21.440 threatened to quit college. More times than I'd 00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:24.240 like to admit. But it's gonna be a hell of a 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:27.839 feeling when I walk across that stage knowing 00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:30.480 that I made it. Sometimes when we focus on the 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:33.299 little details of a picture or a work of art. 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:36.259 it's hard to understand what's going on. But 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:39.440 if we take a step back, we can see the picture 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:42.980 or work of art in its entirety, and we can appreciate 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:45.579 it more. The same concept can be applied to our 00:20:45.579 --> 00:20:49.079 daily lives. But when we focus on each accomplishment 00:20:49.079 --> 00:20:52.319 separately, it's easy to get frustrated and think 00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:55.220 to ourselves that we haven't done much. But when 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:57.400 we step back and look at our lives as a whole, 00:20:57.700 --> 00:21:00.700 we can see the bigger picture. What if we approach 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:03.519 our lives with a sense of wonder rather than 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:05.660 comparison? What if we allowed ourselves to be 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:08.440 fully present, celebrating each small victory 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:10.440 along the way? There are a lot of questions to 00:21:10.440 --> 00:21:13.779 consider. Do we have what it takes to uncover 00:21:13.779 --> 00:21:17.559 the answers? I mean, that's what life is all 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:20.200 about, right? Answering life's biggest questions. 00:21:20.420 --> 00:21:22.380 Thank you for joining me today on this episode 00:21:22.380 --> 00:21:25.079 of the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. I hope you got 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:27.720 something out of today's discussion. and are 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:31.400 feeling inspired to embrace your current circumstances 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:35.880 and redefine your perception of success and fulfillment. 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:39.200 As we wrap up today's episode, I want to leave 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:42.119 you with something to reflect on. Life is not 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:45.119 a sprint. It is a leisurely walk through the 00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:47.660 park filled with endless possibilities. Create 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:50.859 yourself the freedom to redefine your definition 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:54.200 of success. Welcome to continuity and allow your 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:57.940 interests to evolve. Every step you take contributes 00:21:57.940 --> 00:22:00.920 to the extraordinary narrative of your life, 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:04.160 a story that deserves to be lived authentically. 00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:06.960 Perhaps you may not be exactly where you envision 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:10.359 yourself, but have you considered that your present 00:22:10.359 --> 00:22:13.400 position is possibly far better than where you 00:22:13.400 --> 00:22:16.480 once bestowed? Maybe you feel prepared for the 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:19.619 fate for the next phase of life, but have you 00:22:19.619 --> 00:22:21.960 considered that the next phase in your life isn't 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:24.619 ready for you? Until next time. Keep seeking 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:27.440 those fresh perspectives, live in the moment, 00:22:27.940 --> 00:22:30.500 and don't let societal pressures dictate your 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:30.980 next season.